sciolistic

adj

1. Of or relating to sciolism, or a sciolist; showing only superficial knowledge.

   “You will doubtless be ready to admit that we live in a sciolistic age altogether; in which every person gives his opinion on every subject, without either waiting or caring for the information of those whose business it is to be specially and accurately acquainted with what is spoken of. But I am not afraid to conclude this topic with the remark; that on no one subject whatever does this sciolistic spirit so palpably shew itself, as on that of religion.”

   “These mementoes or memorials [sculptural national monuments], though in the present age the unphilosophical and sciolistic spirit of some have led them to regard with contempt this method of honouring the illustrious great, excite a laudable admiration for the service or benefit to which they testify, and are living realities to perpetuate at once the respect entertained by the nation, both for the individual himself and the performance that has entitled him to their gratitude.”

   “An English clique of literati and sciolistic scientists, headed by a sciolistic pretender named Dr. Lardner, made themselves judges of all disputed questions in science and attempted to prove that steam navigation was impossible.”

   “In this context, it is important to note, and we cannot stress this too vigorously, that our total understanding of the biochemistry of insects derives, except at the most sciolistic level, from a very small number of species.”

   “John Horne Tooke occupies a unique place in the history of Indo-European studies and lexicography – oblivion: Only rarely in discussions of Indo-European linguistics and lexicography does one find a mention of the unredoubtable, irascible, and sciolistic champion of comparative and historical language study; but then, why should a sciolist and purveyor of fanciful etymologies be mentioned at all?”